The Cabinet of Derbyshire County Council met on Thursday, 15 October 2026, to discuss a range of important issues, approving plans for a new Waste Local Plan, significant funding for tree planting, and substantial investment in highway maintenance. Key decisions also included the dissolution of a subsidiary company, the refresh of the Community Safety Agreement, and amendments to a business support contract.

Complaints, Compliments and Feedback and Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman Annual Letter 2025/26

The Cabinet noted the content of the report detailing compliments and complaints received in the 2025/26 period. The council received 1,002 compliments, a decrease from the previous year, and 2,214 complaints, an increase of 18.9%. The report also highlighted the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman's Annual Review Letter for the year ending 31 March 2026, which detailed 203 complaints and enquiries about Derbyshire County Council. The Cabinet requested a further assurance report within three months to outline progress on identified improvement activities.

Derbyshire Community Safety Agreement: Refresh 2026-2028

The Cabinet agreed to the refreshed Community Safety Agreement for 2026-2028 and referred it to the Council for formal approval. This agreement outlines the priorities and commitments for community safety across Derbyshire, aligning with statutory duties and a restructured partnership governance. The refreshed agreement reflects changes in legislation and national policy, with a new governance structure based on four thematic boards: Serious Violence, Serious Organised Crime and Exploitation, Domestic and Sexual Abuse, and Prevent.

Dissolution of MEGZ Limited

The Cabinet agreed to the voluntary strike-off and dissolution of MEGZ Limited, a company incorporated in 2002 as a planning and development vehicle for the Markham Employment Growth Zone. The company, which is no longer operational, will be dissolved following the completion of all necessary preparatory actions to bring its affairs to an orderly close. The Executive Director for Place and the Head of Markham Vale were authorised to oversee this process.

Notice of Intention to Prepare a New Waste Local Plan for Derbyshire and Derby

The Cabinet approved the preparation of a new Waste Local Plan for Derbyshire (outside the Peak District National Park) and Derby, to be undertaken jointly with Derby City Council. This plan will be submitted to the Secretary of State under the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2026. The Cabinet also approved the publication of a 'Notice of Intention to Prepare a New Waste Local Plan' and delegated authority to the Executive Director for Place, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Environment, to proceed with the plan's preparation up to the Gateway 1 Assessment stage. The Cabinet also agreed to support the reporting of progress to the Derbyshire and Derby Minerals and Waste Joint Advisory Committee.

Acceptance of Trees Revenue and Capital Delivery Grants

The Cabinet approved the acceptance of two grants from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), administered by Cheshire West and Chester Borough Council, for Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest. A Revenue Delivery Grant of £0.198m will support operational costs, while a Capital Delivery Grant of £2.562m will fund woodland creation and tree planting. These grants are part of a wider Defra Tree Planting and Woodland Creation Programme and will contribute to the establishment of Derbyshire's Heartwood Community Forest, which aims to create high-quality green infrastructure.

Amendments to the Proposal to Work with East Midlands Chamber to Deliver Business Support

The Cabinet acknowledged previous approvals regarding the Start and Sustain contract and approved amendments to the contract period and value. The contract delivery period will now extend from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2028, aligning with the East Midlands Combined County Authority's revised end date. Consequently, the contract value has been reduced to £0.481m from the original £0.536m, reflecting a revised staffing requirement of four Business Support Advisers instead of five.

Highways New Requirements – Permission to Procure

The Cabinet approved the procurement of six Highway Maintenance workstreams with a maximum contract value of £40 million. These projects, which were not initially identified in the approved Highways Service Plan, include Spray Injection Patching, Thermal Patching, Rubber Modified Material Patching, Asphalt Rejuvenation, Environmental Hazards response, and Highways Recycled Materials supply. Authority was delegated to the Executive Director for Place to award the contracts and manage their delivery. This investment aims to enhance the highway network's condition, improve responsiveness, and promote sustainable maintenance practices.

Acceptance of Funding from East Midlands Combined County Authority from the Local Growth Fund

The Cabinet approved recommendations detailed in a not for publication report concerning the acceptance of funding from the East Midlands Combined County Authority via the Local Growth Fund.